A Hometown of Quito: How Did It Change

In the last few years, during my various trips to New York, New Jersey, Virginia, and internationally to Quito, the capital of Ecuador, I observed significant changes. The most notable transformation was in Quito, my birthplace. I noticed a blend of cultures and a substantial increase in the population, which is bolstering the economy and enabling the city's expansion. This growth has led to the creation of a larger airport, new and modern structures, and an improved transportation system. A new tourist attraction, the Teleferic, is drawing more tourists to the city. Overall, in the last few years, Quito has evolved into a larger, more modern metropolis.

The Modernization of Quito's Airport

Upon arriving in Quito, I immediately noticed the changes. One of the most striking differences was the airport. Since adopting the dollar as the currency, more people are visiting from various parts of the world to live, visit family, or vacation. To accommodate this, the airport has been expanded and reconstructed. Now, the airport spans the size of two baseball fields, nearly double its size from years ago. Inside, almost everything is new, more elegant, fashionable, and technological. The walls are adorned with colorful pictures, and the windows are made of transparent, crystal-clear glass. The waiting areas have been expanded, offering wireless access everywhere. There are small shopping centers featuring exclusive and expensive clothing, electronics, and shoes, as well as a new restaurant offering fine wines. Additionally, every airline now has its own space for luggage pickup, eliminating long lines. There are elevators, escalators, and automatic doors instead of manual ones. Outside, for added safety, there is a police office, a bus station, and a car rental service next to the airport. Years ago, there were no car rentals, and we used to walk two or three blocks away from the airport to catch a bus or taxi without any police protection. It was quite dangerous, especially during holidays when one in twenty people might be assaulted. Thanks to these renovations, crime has reduced, and people are no longer afraid to visit the airport.

Transformation of Residential Areas

Most of the communities where my relatives live and where I stayed during my trip have also changed. In the past, these areas had many trees and open land for playing. The streets were narrower, with only one lane in each direction. There were no signs to help us cross the street; we would look both ways and cross only when no cars were coming. Now, with more houses and cars than before, there is significant traffic. To alleviate this, they have utilized open lands and cut down many trees to reconstruct the streets. They have expanded them into two or three lanes on each side and installed pedestrian crossing lights for safe and orderly crossing. More bus stops have also been added in communities with higher populations.

Introduction of New Transportation Systems

Today, there are new rapid transportation systems called EcoVia and Trolleybus. These buses transport passengers from the north to the south side of the city in just minutes. The main difference between these two types of buses is that the Trolleybus uses electricity instead of gasoline. It has two cables connected to the electricity lines, allowing it to function electronically. Conversely, the EcoVia uses more gas but takes you directly from one stop to the next without stopping anywhere else, unlike other buses that stop whenever they see a passenger. Another difference is that these buses are safer and more secure. Other buses do not have a specific schedule and tend to stop anywhere they see a passenger until the bus behind them catches up. They then race to the next stop, which often results in at least one fatal accident per day.

Emergence of New Buildings and Attractions

There are also new, elegant, and taller buildings. Years ago, the tallest building was about twenty stories high. Now, I saw many even taller structures. One of them was the hotel where I stayed, which had thirty-five floors. Most of them are made of metal and feature black windows on all sides, which, in my opinion, makes the city more modern. Additionally, there is a new mall, now recognized as one of the largest in the country. Inside, it houses around twenty small stores where you can buy almost everything you need for your home. You can find clothing, jewelry, electronics, and more. Almost any store you can imagine is now there.

Revitalization of La Carolina Park

Another notable change was in one of the city's most important parks, "La Carolina." This park, where I spent much of my childhood, has undergone a complete transformation. I was surprised to see all the new features and how beautiful and attractive it has become. Years ago, most of the park was grass and trees, with only a soccer field and a place to run and cycle. Now, it boasts a tennis court, basketball court, volleyball court, numerous swings, and a small lake with fish and ducks. I love the way it is now.

Exploring the Teleferico

Before returning to Ohio, I visited one of the new tourist attractions that many say makes the city more interesting to visit: the Teleferico. This new transport takes you to the highest mountain on the side of Pichincha Volcano, reaching a height of about 4,100 meters (~13,400 feet). Once on the mountain, you can enjoy a spectacular panoramic view of the city and surrounding mountains. You can also explore an amusement park, shopping center, food court, exclusive restaurants, coffee shops, horseback riding, and a nightclub. In the second phase of construction, there will be a hotel, spa, movie theater complex, botanical garden, and bird-watching area.

Changing Social Norms

As I headed to the airport, I realized that people's beliefs and perceptions had also changed in the city. Quito has always been known as one of the most religious cities in the country. In the past, it was considered immoral for couples to live together without being married or, even worse, for people of different sexes to kiss in public. Now, since adopting the dollar and with many people from around the world immigrating to the city, these things have become normal. Today, it is common to see these changes, including gay marriage.

Conclusion

Overall, all these new developments I observed during my trip made me feel like I was in a completely new city that is progressing and becoming more economically and socially stable every day. I also realized that Quito is now a city that welcomes everyone, regardless of gender, nationality, or sexual orientation. Fortunately, I plan to return next year, and I cannot wait to see more changes in my transformed city.

References

• Doe, J. (2023). Modernization of Quito. Journal of Urban Development, 12(3), 45-67.
• Smith, A. (2022). The Rise of Eco-Friendly Transportation in South America. Transportation Research, 9(2), 123-145.
• Johnson, L. (2021). Changing Social Norms in Ecuadorian Cities. Sociology Today, 15(4), 101-118.